Local Strawberries Show Up In Chefs' Seasonal Dishes

Earlier than usual hot weather means that the Maine strawberry season, which is always short, will be very short this year. The Portland Press Herald devotes its Food & Dining section today to local strawberries, including a round-up of restaurants featuring the berries on their menus - and not just for dessert. Some savory examples: seared duck breast with strawberry sauce at The Salt Exchange in Portland; strawberry gazpacho with shaved frozen goat cheese and balsamic gel at Academe Brasserie at The Kennebunk Inn. Chef Mitchell Gerow at Portland's East Ender is even making hogs head cheese with peas and strawberries.

· Strawberries: What Maine Restaurants Are Serving [PPH]

[Photo: Stevenson's Strawberries]